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    Paint an M17x R3/R4 0.o ...How?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by RED-XIV, Jul 25, 2012.

  1. RED-XIV

    RED-XIV Notebook Consultant

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    So, I have had my M17x for a while now, and want to give it a paint job. The thing is, I am not sure how I can paint this soft touch finish on the case. 0.o ...or even if I can?

    So I am here looking for tips and notes about how to (if I can) paint my R3. Any help would be hot. I did see a forum here; someone painted their R3, but never told us how he did it. (I think he took it in to a shop).

    I want to give it a "Carbon Fiber" paint job (see the youtube video below). So the base has to be silver.

    ThanxXx guys, take care, thanks for looking at the thread, and I look forward to seeing the replies.

    Cheers,
    Red XIV

    Airbrushing - Carbon Fiber for RC Car bodies - YouTube
     
    RED-XIV, Jul 25, 2012
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  2. aznpos531

    aznpos531 Notebook Evangelist

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    This is just my opinion so take it as just that. IMO unless it's a very unique color or look that you want, painting is more trouble than it's worth. For something as common as the carbon fiber pattern I'd suggest 3M DINOC or even pre-cut vinyl covers for the R3 such as these:

    Original KH Special Laptop Cover SKin Carbon Fit Alienware M17x r3 back
    Original KH Special Laptop Carbon SKin Cover For DELL Alienware M17x R3

    Of course if you're up to the challenge and prefer to paint it, then by all means, carry on. :)
    I believe someone did paint their R3 and someone else painted their R2. I remember some details on the process in the thread. Let me do some digging.

    edit: Check out this thread: Candy White Alienware M17x R2 Mod.
     
    aznpos531, Jul 25, 2012
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  3. RED-XIV

    RED-XIV Notebook Consultant

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    I did see the Vinyl cover things online in my search for a facelift. After looking in to them, I did see they only come with the top, and bottom covers; not the parts for the rest, and sides. (They do a good job with the pictures making it look like they do have the vinyl parts for all of it... but they font T.T)
     
    RED-XIV, Jul 25, 2012
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  4. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    If you wanna paint your r3, If I recall correctly you have to take the soft touch finish off. I recall hearing that at some-point a while ago though so it far from fact.
     
    bigtonyman, Jul 25, 2012
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  5. aznpos531

    aznpos531 Notebook Evangelist

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    This post is worth reading: Re: Alienware Stealth Black, Nebula Red, Lunar Silver and.....nVIDIA Green?!

    If you're not experience with painting, I highly suggest you try it with something else first. It's really easy to mess something up. :(

    edit: this post as well: Re: Alienware Stealth Black, Nebula Red, Lunar Silver and.....nVIDIA Green?!

    edit2: These as well: Re: Alienware Stealth Black, Nebula Red, Lunar Silver and.....nVIDIA Green?!
    Re: Alienware Stealth Black, Nebula Red, Lunar Silver and.....nVIDIA Green?!
    Re: Alienware Stealth Black, Nebula Red, Lunar Silver and.....nVIDIA Green?!
    Re: Alienware Stealth Black, Nebula Red, Lunar Silver and.....nVIDIA Green?!
    ...and pretty much the rest of that thread.
     
    aznpos531, Jul 25, 2012
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  6. RED-XIV

    RED-XIV Notebook Consultant

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    ThanxXx guys, I thought I may run in to problems with the soft touch. (figured I would have to take it off first =/ )
     
    RED-XIV, Jul 25, 2012
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  7. aznpos531

    aznpos531 Notebook Evangelist

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    Looks like you'll need to sand most if not all of it off. As with any paint job, surface prep and the right kind of paint are key. The rest is your steady hand, working carefully, and lots of research and planning. You might want to buy and extra chassis to work on first.

    BTW, if you want to go the vinyl route, look into getting some 3M DINOC carbon fiber adhesive vinyl. You can cut to the shape and size you want to cover the whole laptop. Not to mention they have various patterns and colors to choose from.
     
    aznpos531, Jul 25, 2012
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  8. trooper1414

    trooper1414 Notebook Deity

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    I believe it was speedy Gonzalez and another person and this was made for the 18x on this forum who took a spare casing both front and back ...baked it and painted it white ...that's all I can recall but it looked awesome ..star wars :)

    Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
     
    trooper1414, Jul 26, 2012
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  9. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    can't do that with the m17x r3/r4 because its not made of aluminum? just curious. Way out of my zone anyway :p
     
    bigtonyman, Jul 26, 2012
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  10. RED-XIV

    RED-XIV Notebook Consultant

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    ThanxXx for all the tips guys/gals. I think Ill just keep it as is. May get an M11x some time soon so I will have something new to look at any way XD

    Cheers,
    Red XIV
     
    RED-XIV, Aug 31, 2012
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  11. shinji257

    shinji257 Notebook Deity

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    For anyone that is looking for vinyls that include the palm rest area DecalRUs includes one for that.

    This was the skin I got for mine. --> Decalrus M17X R3 Skin Set

    (Still waiting on my laptop)
     
    shinji257, Aug 31, 2012
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  12. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    looks pretty snazzy!! Would you mind taking some pictures once you get your laptop and get the skin applied? Thanks! :)
     
    bigtonyman, Aug 31, 2012
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  13. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Probably easiest to remove the soft touch and repaint. I painted mine Candy white (linked in sig) and it was easier, but still took a lot of prep work to get the finish really nice.
     
    DR650SE, Aug 31, 2012
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  14. sdfdsasa

    sdfdsasa Notebook Enthusiast

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    little.jpg
    Ford
     
    sdfdsasa, Jul 20, 2013
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  15. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

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    Cool mod ! Always wanted to try a gun metal shelby like style with the stripes.
     
    Alienware-Luis_Pardo, Jul 22, 2013
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  16. sdfdsasa

    sdfdsasa Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have more photos from that laptop.. I got inspered from the Ford Mustang (Movie: I am a Legend)

    [MOD EDIT] Please the NBR rules
     
    sdfdsasa, Jul 22, 2013
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